“We want to show anyone going through a tough time that there are people who care about what they’re going through,” she added.

“I’d ask everyone who can afford it to add a few extra items to their grocery list. It might not seem like much to you, but it can honestly mean everything to a family that’s struggling.”

People are asked to bring in items including shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap and baby wipes, and non-perishable food such as tinned fruit and vegetables and rice, to the college by December 9.

Epsom and Ewell Foodbank was opened in October 2012, and in 2015 it distributed 2,515 parcels of emergency food supplies to people in crisis.

A typical parcel includes items such as breakfast cereal, rice, pasta, soup, tinned beans, tinned meat and tea or coffee, but can be adapted for allergies or for families with babies or young children.